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Political Science Russian & Former Soviet Union

Russian Liberalism

by (author) Paul Robinson

Publisher
Cornell University Press
Initial publish date
Sep 2023
Category
Russian & Former Soviet Union, Conservatism & Liberalism, Russia & the Former Soviet Union
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9781501772146
    Publish Date
    Sep 2023
    List Price
    $175.95
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781501772177
    Publish Date
    Sep 2023
    List Price
    $36.95

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Description

Russian Liberalism charts the development of liberal ideas and political organizations in Russia as well as the implementation of liberal reforms by the Russian and Soviet governments at various points in time. Paul Robinson's comprehensive survey covers the entire period from the late eighteenth century to the present day.

Robinson demonstrates that liberalism has always lacked strong roots in the Russian population, being largely espoused by a narrow group of intellectuals whose culture it has reflected, and has tended toward a form of historical determinism that sees Russia as destined to become like the West.

Many see the current political struggle between Russia and the West as being in part a conflict between the liberal West and an illiberal Russia. By explaining the historical causes of liberalism's failure in that country, Russian Liberalism offers an understanding of a significant aspect of contemporary international affairs. After Putin's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, understanding Russian political thought is a matter of considerable importance.

About the author

PAUL ROBINSON is a senior research associate of the Atlantic Institute of Education. He is also a former teacher in Nova Scotia and Alberta.

Paul Robinson's profile page

Editorial Reviews

Russian Liberalism remain an authoritative book on the subject for the foreseeable future. Robinson pairs erudition with admirably calibrated judgment; he manages to resist the terrible simplifications that too often dominate punditry, and even scholarship, on all things Russian.

Claremont Review of Books

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